Members of the House of Representatives have rejected a Bill for an Act to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to Provide for a single term of six years for the President and governors
The bill, which was sponsored by John Dyegh, APC-Gboko/Tarka Federal constituency of Benue State, also considers a six-year term for Members of the National Assembly and States Houses of Assembly.
John Dyegh stated that lawmakers did not understand the intent of the bill and argued the bill was necessary for members of the National Assembly to gain more experience in six years years instead of four.
According to him, re-election for the President and governors cost three times more than the first election and is characterised by violence. He believes a single term of five years will curb the irregularities associated with re-election.
Most of those who spoke during the debate on the bill expressed their opposition to it.
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The lawmakers in disagreement with Dyegh pushed instead for a credible electoral process. They argued that the President or governor will be unable to make meaningful achievements if restricted to just a six year single term.
They added that the current tenure provides an opportunity for appraisal every four years.
When the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, who presided over the plenary, put to voice vote the passage of the bill for second reading, the lawmakers overwhelmingly voted against it.
Wase consequently ruled that the bill be stepped down.
Yetunde Adegoke
